ICC appoints five RUPMs to increase level of support to officials

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Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 17:05 [IST]

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Dubai, Jun 25 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) today appointed five regional umpires' performance managers (RUPMs) to coach, mentor and assist umpires as they strive for on-field excellence.

The newly appointed RUPMs are John Holder (Americas and Europe), Arani Jayaprakash (Asia, including Bangladesh and India), Peter Manuel (Asia, including Pakistan and Sri Lanka), Ian Robinson (Africa) and Bob Stratford (Pacific).

The RUPMs' appointments are effective immediately and they will be based in their respective regions.

The five RUPMs are experienced and respected figures in the game and have all umpired at a high level.

They will work towards the continued development of elite umpiring in their specific regions and will provide individual support programmes that assist international officials in the various aspects of umpiring.

''This is more good news for the game as it will provide expert support to umpires around the world,'' ICC General Manager David Richardson said.

''I am delighted with these appointments. The five regional umpires' managers all have first-hand experience with the trials, challenges and rewards of umpiring at a high level. They all have credibility and respect in the cricket world and they know the issues that face umpires these days. I have no doubt these appointments will be good for the umpires and the game.

''This move is part of the ICC's commitment to ensuring that the standard of international cricket umpiring remains high and continues to improve as we seek to get the most out of our best officials,'' he added.

These additions to the ICC team follow the appointment of former Natal and Middlesex fast bowler Vintcent van der Bijl to the position of ICC Umpires' and Referees' Manager.

Van der Bijl will be responsible for the overall management of elite match officials.

Earlier this year, as part of a focus on the role of match officials, the ICC expanded the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires from 10 to 12 with the addition of Australia's Steve Davis and Sri Lanka's Asoka de Silva to the list.